World Cup 2026: European teams among favourites as expanded format reshapes tournament outlook
Coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to focus on the expanded format, shifting competitive balance and growing debate over scheduling and squad workload, as international and European media track both analysis and ongoing fixtures.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches continuing to shape much of the discussion around the tournament.
The new structure, significantly larger than previous editions, has been widely analysed in terms of logistics and player workload. European leagues in particular are expected to feel the impact, with concerns over longer travel distances between venues, tighter recovery windows and additional strain on already crowded domestic calendars.
A strong group of European nations has already secured qualification, including France, Germany, Spain, England, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Croatia. With most major contenders now confirmed, attention is gradually shifting from qualification to squad planning, rotation systems and injury management, as coaches prepare for a tournament that may demand more from players over a longer period than any previous World Cup.
Pre-tournament projections published across European sports media continue to place several European teams at the top of contender lists. Spain, France and England are consistently ranked among the leading favourites, with Brazil, Argentina and Portugal also appearing in the main cluster of potential winners. Some models even point towards a possible all-European final, although analysts stress the uncertainty introduced by the expanded format.
That expansion is also changing the competitive landscape. While elite teams are still expected to dominate the later stages, there is growing expectation that additional group-stage slots could open pathways for mid-ranked sides to progress further than in previous tournaments. At the same time, the physical toll of a longer competition remains a concern, particularly for squads relying on core players across multiple high-intensity matches.
On the pitch, Norway produced one of the more notable results of the latest round, edging Senegal 3–2 in a fast-paced contest. Erling Haaland scored twice to take his tournament tally to four goals, reinforcing the momentum around Norway’s emerging “golden generation”. Senegal stayed competitive throughout and briefly threatened a comeback, but Norway managed to close out the match and strengthen their position in the group.
Elsewhere, attention is turning to upcoming fixtures. Portugal are set to face Uzbekistan in Houston at 19:00 local time, with scrutiny continuing over their early performances and internal tactical balance. England are due to meet Ghana later at 22:00, with Harry Kane expected to play a central role as they look to maintain momentum after their opening match.
Later games include Croatia against Panama and Colombia facing Congo, both still to be played and already viewed as early indicators of form in their respective groups.
Across broader European coverage, the central question remains whether traditional powers can convert squad depth into consistency over an expanded tournament, while managing the physical and logistical demands that come with the first 48-team World Cup.